Countdown To Rome: Two Days To Go

...Italy Make Three Changes...'Shoulder To Shoulder' In Knin...Under-20s Get TV Treatment...Say What?...Numbers Game...

ITALY MAKE THREE CHANGES: Italian coach Pierre Berbizier has made three changes to his side for Saturday's RBS 6 Nations clash with Ireland (Stadio Flaminio, kick-off 1.30pm).

With centre Gonzalo Canale (thigh) and flanker Mauro Bergamasco (suspended) already out, the Azzurri have been hit with another blow as experienced prop Andrea Lo Cicero has been ruled out of the game due to a fever.

The players to come in are Ezio Galon in midfield, Salvatore Perugini at loosehead prop and Maurizio Zaffiri has been drafted in to take Bergamasco's place at openside flanker.

'SHOULDER TO SHOULDER' IN KNIN: A group of Irish players, who play at various levels for clubs in Dublin and Limerick, will venture to Knin this weekend to help the Croatian city mark their second ever St. Patrick's Day celebrations.

The Irish selection will play the Croatian national team, who are ranked 39th in the world, as Knin hosts an international rugby match for the first time, alongside their official St. Patrick's Day dinner.

The day will begin at 8.30am with an Irish breakfast at the Irish team hotel in Knin, followed by the presentation of shamrock to the City Mayoress and her deputies.

The match between Croatia and the Irish Barbarians kicks off at the Gradski Stadion at 12pm, with the Croats using it as preparation for their forthcoming European games against Latvia and Andorra.

The Ireland-Italy Six Nations game will be viewed by all and sundry on a big screen at the new Restoran Dinara in Knin afterwards. Match day tickets are a minimal 10kns with a combined ticket for dinner and game only 100kns.

Further information is available from Anna or Zoran at info@hiberno-knin.com

UNDER-20S GET TV TREATMENT: For fans and ex-pats who will be in Italy tomorrow, it should be noted that the Ireland Under-20s' game against Italy in Benevento (kick-off 2.30pm local time) will be carried live on the SportItalia channel.

An Irish win would see Eric Elwood's youngsters clinch an unprecedented championship and Grand Slam double at the new age grade.

The Italians, who are fielding an U-21 team in this competition, will be no pushovers however, having seen off Scotland and Wales in recent weeks.

"I don't know if I can be there for Italy-Ireland, but I promise that in September I will go and see the Azzurri at the World Cup in France.

"I got excited (watching the win over Wales), and I was doing the play-by-play like a radio announcer. I had (under-secretary) Enrico Letta on the phone and he wanted me to tell him how the game was going, so I explained the final minutes to him in live time."

- Italian Prime Minister Romano Prodi, who had a visit from the Italian rugby squad at his offices today, shows he has become a keen follower of Pierre Berbizier's side. He received a jersey and a signed ball from the players

"A lot of my practice would be visualising the point, closing my eyes and trying to picture where the ball is going. Whenever the call comes in, I'll get myself ready and bring the ball back. I'll see that target in my head a split second before I throw it so I'll know where I am putting it."

- Ireland hooker Rory Best, who has started six of Ireland's last seven Tests, gives an insight into his lineout throwing technique

"Troncon has done really well and has come back from nowhere really.

"The fact Italy's forwards are playing so well makes Troncon's job easier but there is no doubt he has been a key man for them. He's a great player and difficult opponent."

- Ireland scrum half Peter Stringer offers his opinion on the 33-year-old Alessandro Troncon, the former Italian captain who will be the Corkman's direct opponent on Saturday

NUMBERS GAME:

52 - The number of Test match half-back pairings Alessandro Troncon had with Diego Dominiguez before the latter's retirement from international rugby. The pair beat the previous world record set by Australia's Nick Farr-Jones and Michael Lynagh

48 - Saturday's game in Rome will see Peter Stringer and Ronan O'Gara start as Ireland's half-backs for the 48th time

32 - Ireland's top tackler in the 2007 Six Nation so far, Paul O'Connell (32 tackles), will sit out Saturday's finale due to a thumb injury. Coincidentally, Italy's leading tackler in the tournament, flanker Mauro Bergamasco (36 tackles), will also be miss the game due to suspension

Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt praised the squad's 'immense character' following the 27-24 GUINNESS Series success against Australia. Meanwhile, captain Rory Best reflects on 'an emotional day' as he made his 100th appearance for his country.

Irish Rugby TV brings you a behind the scenes look at Ireland's final GUINNESS Series game against Australia. Joe Schmidt's men marked captain Rory Best's 100th cap with a superb 27-24 victory over the Wallabies.

Saturday's GUINNESS Series clash with Australia marks Michael Kearney's last game as Ireland team manager. We spoke to him about five memorable years in the role. Watch out for a couple of special cameos!

We're ready to create something legendary. A showcase for rugby nations old and new. A tournament that will grow the game globally, promote the values, spirit and ethos of rugby and will capture the world's imagination. #Ireland2023 - Liam Neeson gives voice to Ireland's bid to host Rugby World Cup 2023.

Tickets are now on sale for the first ever Women's November International Series to be held in the UCD Bowl. Kids go free with any adult tickets. Ireland will face world champions England, top ranked Canada and the Black Ferns of New Zealand.

Tournament Director Garrett Tubridy sets the scene for an exciting weekend of rugby at UCD where 16 Women's Sevens teams will battle it out at for one qualifying spot for the Rio Olympics. Tickets are available from www.ticketmaster.ie/sevens.

Tadhg Furlong reflects on a disappointing day for Ireland against South Africa. However, he will take positives from his first Test start and be ready to build for the final match of the series in Port Elizabeth.

Paddy Jackson is preparing for Ireland's second Test against South Africa on Saturday (kick-off 5pm local time/4pm Irish time). The Ulster out-half has been checking out Ellis Park in advance of the match.